Toy train track adapter

ABSTRACT

A toy train track adapter system for adapting a toy train track made for use with trains having a specific wheel configuration for use with vehicles having other wheel configurations is provided. The adapter system is comprised of a plurality of adapters having a support surface to support the adapters when placed along the toy train track. The adapters also have an upper surface having at least one travel surface dimensioned to receive at least one set of wheels of a vehicle having another wheel configuration that is different from the specific wheel configuration. At least one guiding feature is provided by the adapters and/or the toy train track when the adapters are placed along the toy train track to maintain the vehicle on the at least one travel surface. The adapters having longitudinal ends that permit them to be placed end-to-end along the toy train track to create a continuous track length from the at least one travel surface of the adapters.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to hobby toys and, inparticular, to the use of toy train tracks with different types of toytrains and other vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toy trains, in particular electric toy trains, are well known in theart. A typical toy train track layout will generally comprise multipletrack segments that, when connected together, will form at least oneloop or circuit. The track segments are generally comprised of two ormore rails fastened to a plurality of railway ties. The railway tiesserve to maintain the rails in a pre-determined, spaced-apartrelationship, thereby defining a particular gauge of model railroad. Toensure both electrical and physical continuity, as well as to ensureproper alignment of the rails between adjoining track segments,connectors are used. For example, with O27 and O gauge tubular trackmanufactured by Lionel LLC, the connectors are pins that friction fitinto each of the adjoining rail segments. Due to the variety ofmanufacturers and model railway gauges available to the industry, theconfiguration of the connectors will vary, but their primary functionremains the same.

Electric toy trains employ an engine car, generally referred to as alocomotive, comprising at least one electric motor that draws power fromthe rails of the track. In the industry, there are two generallyaccepted formats of track, one being referred to as 2-rail, the otherbeing referred to as 3-rail. With 2-rail, one rail serves as a powerrail, while the other rail serves as the reference. The wheels of thelocomotive serve as contacts, thereby completing an electrical circuitfor powering the electric motor contained therein. For 3-rail, a centerrail generally provides the power, while two electrically contiguousoutside rails serve as the reference. Locomotives generally have anelectrical pick-up means, for example a shoe or roller, that contactsthe center rail, while the wheels of the locomotive or rolling stockserve to complete the electrical circuit by contacting the outsiderails. Power is generally applied to the rails by way of a transformerthat converts standard household power (i.e. 120V) to an appropriate andsafer voltage range for use with toy trains (i.e. 0 to 25V).

For younger children, electric toy trains can present certaindifficulties with respect to operation. In particular, some trains aredifficult to mount on the rails where failure to do so generally resultsin potentially hazardous electrical shorts. Consequently, thesuitability of electric toy trains for use by young children is oftenquestioned.

Conventional toy train track is designed for operation of a specific“gauge” of toy train, the gauge being defined by the distance betweenthe rails, or, in the case of 3-rail, the outside rails. Examples ofpopular gauges for toy trains include N, Z, HO, O27/O and Standard.There are numerous manufacturers that produce track segments, trains andaccessories, with Lionel LLC, MTH Trains and K-Line being popularmanufacturers for O27/O gauge. Depending on the gauge and the extent ofthe track layout, track layouts can potentially occupy a large amount ofspace that, by design, is devoted to operation of only a specific gaugeof toy train. Many of these track layouts are permanent and, therefore,require a dedicated space. Often, such tracks are secured to a surfacesuch as plywood boards in order to further stabilize the track layout.Due to the inherent hazards discussed above with respect to electric toytrains, such a space is generally unusable for a younger child withoutadult supervision or assistance. While the electricity that powers suchtracks can be turned off, trains designed for powered motion are usuallyunsuitable as “push” toys. Further, some electric train locomotives canbe damaged when being manually urged along the track.

For younger children, there are a number of battery-operated ornon-powered toy trains available that operate on wooden or plastictrack. Popular examples include those manufactured by the BrioCorporation as well as Thomas and Friends by Learning CurveInternational Inc. The track segments used with the abovebattery-operated or non-powered trains generally have channels forreceiving and guiding the wheels of the train. In some cases, the tracksmay also be used with non-train vehicles (i.e. trucks, cars, etc.),depending on the product line of the manufacturer. As is the case forconventional electric toy trains, the track for the battery-operated andnon-powered trains is gauged specifically for use with these toy trains.

As indicated above, toy train track has traditionally been manufacturedfor a specific gauge of toy train. Overlap between the gauges wheremultiple gauges use the same basic track has not been previouslycontemplated. For multiple gauge operation, the only solution has beento build separate layouts. For many, due to space constrictions, thismay not be possible.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a novel toy traintrack system and adapter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention allows toy train tracks designed for use with aspecific type of train to be used with other types of vehicles,including, but not limited to, other trains and cars. The adapters canbe designed to permit the toy train track to be used with trains of aspecific wheel configuration for which the track was designed andvehicles having another wheel configuration without removal of theadapters from the train track. Alternatively, the adapters can be madeto be placed onto and removed from the toy train track, thus allowingthe utility of the track to be switched.

With the invention, one track can be used with a variety of vehicles,thus reducing the need to disassemble the track when not in use.Further, the adapters can be made relatively cheaply, thus providinginexpensive additional functionality to an existing train layout. Stillfurther, by enabling the use of other vehicles with the train track,electricity can be disconnected from the train track, thus providing asafer play environment for younger children.

Additionally, the train tracks can be made with one or more travelsurfaces between or adjacent the rails to permit vehicles having variouswheel configurations to be used in conjunction with the train track.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric exploded view of an electric toy train beingplaced on two joined 3-rail track segments;

FIG. 2 shows an isometric sectional view of the 3-rail track of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the electric toy train of FIG. 1 fitted onthe track;

FIG. 4 shows an isometric exploded view of another toy train beingplaced on two adapters that are being fitted in one of the tracksegments of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the toy train and adapters of FIG. 4 fittedon the track of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a front exploded view of the adapters of FIG. 4 beingfitted on the track of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of the adapters of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective sectional view of an alternative track havinga set of channels between the two outer rails;

FIG. 9 shows a front view of the track of FIG. 9 illustrating theplacement thereon of wheels of an electric train and another vehicle;and

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of an alternative adapter fitted on thetrack of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the invention are described in detail where it isappreciated that the principles of the invention, as established in thedetailed description of the drawings, may find application for use withtoy trains. This invention relates to an adapter and system that permitsa toy train of a particular gauge to use the tracks of a toy trainhaving a different gauge, thus providing increased play value out of atrack layout. More specifically, a first, larger gauge of toy traintrack is fitted with adapters in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. This allows for the unimpeded operation of trains ofeither the first, larger gauge, generally being electric toy trains, anda second smaller gauge, generally being battery-powered or non-powered.Due to the variety of toy train gauges available, for exemplarypurposes, the present invention will be discussed using O27/O gaugetubular track manufactured by Lionel LLC.

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate typical 3-rail toy electric train track segments20, each of which comprises two outer rails 24 and a center rail 28secured to a set of railway ties 32. An engine 21 coupled to rollingstock 22 is shown being placed on the track segments 20.

FIGS. 2 and 3 better illustrate the profile of the rails 24, which forthe purpose of this discussion are virtually identical to rails 28 inconstruction. The rails 24 of a track segment 20 are made by crimpinglong rectangular metal plates along their length at portions 36 tocreate tubular portions 38 having rolling surfaces 40. A pair of flanges44 is formed on each track segment 20 by bending the longitudinal edgesof the metal plate such that they are generally perpendicular to thecrimped portions 36.

The rails 24, 28 are shown secured to the railway ties 32 using tabs 48.The railway ties 32 are generally made from stamped metal with the tabs48 being integral and unitary with the railway ties 32. The tabs 48engage the outside rails 24 by directly clamping over the flanges 44.This establishes electrical continuity between the outside rails 24 dueto the use of metal railway ties 32. To electrically isolate the centerrails 28 from the outside rails 24, and thereby to prevent a short,insulating layers 52 are inserted between the flanges 44 of center rails28 and the tabs 48. In operation, a voltage is applied to the centerrails 28 with the outer rails 24 serving as the reference. Theelectrical continuity between the outside rails 24 simplifies the wiringfor powering the track as only two leads are required from thetransformer, one being the power lead connected to the center rails 28,the other being the reference lead connected to the outside rails 28.

To assemble the track segments 20 together to form a layout, pins 56positioned within the tubular portion 38 of adjacent track segments areused. While the pins 56 may be retained in place by friction fit, thetrack segments 20 are generally supplied with a set of pins alreadymounted on one end of each rail 24, 28 of the track segment 20. In thiscase, the pins are usually “pinched” in place. During assembly, the pins56 projecting from one end of the rails 24, 28 of a first track segment20 are used to connect the first track segment 20 with a second tracksegment 20 by mating the pins with the respective tubular portions 38 ofthe second track segment. The pins 56 are usually friction-fit into theunoccupied ends of the tubular portions 38 of the second track segment20 to releasably hold the two train track segments 20 together.

FIGS. 4 to 7 show a pair of adapters 100 for use with the train tracksegments 20. Each of the adapters 100 is generally rectangular whenviewed from above and has an outer side 104, an inner side 108, a firstend 112 and a second end 116. Presently, the adapters 100 areconstructed of injection-molded plastic, but other suitable materialswill occur to those of skill in the art. The adapters 100 are placedbetween one of the outer rails 24 and the center rails 28 of tracksegments 20, with the outer sides 104 adjacent the outer rails 24 andthe inner sides 108 adjacent the center rails 28.

Each of the adapters 100 has a support surface 120 along its bottom forsupporting the adapter 100 on the railway ties 32. The support surface120 has a set of smaller cutouts 124 for receiving the tabs 48 clampedover the flanges 44 and a set of larger cutouts 128 for receiving thetabs 48 clamped over the insulating layer 52 and the flanges 44.

An upper surface 132 is provided on each adapter 100, having a travelsurface 136 and a guiderail 140 adjacent the travel surface 136. Boththe travel surface 136 and the guiderail 140 extend along the length ofthe adapter 100. When the adapters are placed between the outer andcenter rails 24, 28, the travel surfaces 136 sit recessed relative tothe outer rails 24 and the guiderails 140, thus defining channels thatconfine lateral movement of sets of wheels of a vehicle placed on theadapters 100. According to one embodiment, the travel surfaces 136 areprovided with a textured surface to provide both aesthetic detailing aswell as traction to wheels of the vehicle when moving along the travelsurfaces 136.

In operation, two adapters 100 are placed in the spaces between each ofthe outer rails 24 and the center rail 28 of each adapter 100, with thetwo guiderails 140 being positioned closest one another. In thisorientation, the travel surfaces 136 are adjacent the outer rails 24.The adapters 100 are dimensioned such that the upper surfaces 132 do notinterfere with wheel flanges and other structural members of trains (orother vehicles) designed for operation on the train track segments 20.

A toy train track layout fitted with the adapters 100 can be used withboth a first toy train for which the track was originally gauged for, aswell as a second toy train or other vehicle of a smaller gauge. Wherethe first toy train is an electric train, the train track can beoperated as usual under power from a transformer. When the track layoutis to be used in conjunction with the adapters to permit the second toytrain of a smaller gauge to be placed thereon, the electricity can beturned off. The adapters 100 allow a traditional electric toy trainlayout to be converted for use with both the trains for which it wasoriginally designed, as well as with battery operated or non-poweredtrains or other vehicles of smaller gauge that are generally safer andeasier to use by younger children.

While the invention has been described with reference to 3-rail track,use of the present invention with other types of tracks will occur tothose of skill in the art. For example, a single adapter can be employedwith 2-rail track to provide the same functionality. Such an adapterwould have the same general features described above with one or moreguiderails residing between the sets of wheels of a vehicle placedthereon.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment, where the adapters ofFIGS. 4 to 7 are integrated into a molded roadbed that replaces therailway ties. Where the molded roadbed is made from a material havingless than desired conductivity, the molded roadbed can be provided withcontact strips to ensure electrical continuity between the outsiderails, so as to not affect operation of electric toy trains on the railsof the track. By incorporating the adapters into the roadbed, a totalcost savings can be realized, while also providing greater flexibilitywith respect to utility of the track. For example, track of thisembodiment can be sold as a set where both a battery-operated and anelectric train are provided, the child learning to operate toy trainsusing the more child-friendly battery train, while graduating to theelectric train upon achieving a suitable level of maturity and/or oncefamiliarized to the hobby. The set would also demonstrate appeal acrossmultiple age groups as, during one play session, it may be used by ayoung child with push or battery-operated trains, while during a laterplay session, it may be used by an older child or adult for electric toytrain operation.

One or both of the guiderails can be omitted. For example, in oneembodiment, one guiderail can be provided on the adapter(s) thatrestricts lateral movement of a set of wheels of a vehicle placedthereon in conjunction with an outer rail. Alternatively, in anotherembodiment pertaining to 2-rail toy train tracks, a single guiderail canbe centrally provided to restrict lateral movement of the set of wheelsof the vehicle, wherein the difference between the width of theguiderail and the distance between the wheels determines how muchlateral movement is permitted. Still further, where the travelsurface(s) of the adapter(s) is positioned sufficiently below the heightof the outer rails, the outer rails themselves (or even the center rail)can provide sufficient guidance for a vehicle placed thereon.

In still further embodiments, the adapters are furnished with featuresto provide their easy removal from the track segments withoutdisassembly of the track. For example, the adapters are provided with aslot between the guiderail and the center rail to allow a flatheadscrewdriver to pry the adapters off of the track.

In order to provide a more secure fit between the adapters and the tracksegments, the adapters can be dimensioned to friction-fit betweenadjacent rails. Further, the adapters can be interconnected at theirends, or fixed into place using suitable fasteners, including nails,screws, clips and various adhesives.

FIG. 10 shows yet a further embodiment, wherein adapters are providedthat fit the toy train track segments to convert the track for sole useby a second set of other powered or unpowered vehicles of a differentgauge. In this embodiment, since the adapters may sit above the rails,the adapters may be provided on their support surfaces with clips orother suitable fasteners for attaching the adapters to the track below.

A second train track can be provided with the adapters. In thisscenario, the adapters can be integrally formed or can be inlaid withmetal or other suitable rails.

Different support surfaces can be provided for the adapters toaccommodate various roadbed features associated with different trackmanufacturers and sets.

It can be appreciated that the concepts herein described can be extendedto other track formats including tracks of different gauge as well asconfiguration (i.e. straight sections, curves, crossovers, etc.).

The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to beexamples of the present invention and alterations and modifications maybe effected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departingfrom the scope of the invention which is defined solely by the claimsappended hereto.

1. A toy train track adapter system for adapting a toy train track madefor use with trains having a first wheel configuration for use withvehicles having other wheel configurations, comprising: a plurality ofadapters, each of said adapters comprising a support surface in contactwith said toy train track when placed therealong, an upper surfacehaving at least one travel surface dimensioned to receive at least oneset of wheels of a vehicle having a second wheel configuration that isdifferent than said first wheel configuration, and at least one guidingfeature provided by at least one of said adapters and said toy traintrack when said adapters are placed along said toy train track tomaintain said vehicle on said at least one travel surface, said adaptershaving longitudinal ends that permit a first of said adapters to beplaced adjacent a second of said adapters along said toy train track tocreate a continuous track length from said at least one travel surfaceof said first and second adapters, such that placement of said pluralityof adapters about said toy train track permits said vehicle to travelabout said toy train track on said at least one travel surface of saidplurality of adapters.
 2. A toy train track adapter system according toclaim 1, wherein said adapters are dimensioned to fit between a set ofrails of said toy train track.
 3. A toy train track adapter systemaccording to claim 2, wherein said set of rails is comprised of twoouter rails and a center rail, and said adapters are placed between saidcenter rail and each of said outer rails.
 4. A toy train track adaptersystem according to claim 2, wherein said upper surface of saidadapters, including a lateral portion of said adapters adjacent at leastone of said set of rails when said adapters are placed along said toytrain track, is recessed sufficiently relative to said at least one ofsaid set of rails to permit the undercarriage and wheels of a toy trainhaving said first wheel configuration to travel unobstructed when saidtoy train travels along said toy train track.
 5. A toy train trackadapter system according to claim 3, wherein said upper surface of saidadapters is generally planar and said at least one guiding feature issaid set of rails.
 6. A toy train track adapter system according toclaim 5, wherein said upper surface of said adapters further comprise atleast one guide rail adjacent said at least one travel surface.
 7. A toytrain track adapter system according to claim 5, wherein said uppersurface of said adapters further comprise one guide rail adjacent saidat least one travel surface and spaced from one of said set of rails byone of said at least one travel surface to restrict a set of wheels ofsaid vehicle to said one of said at least one travel surface.
 8. A toytrain track adapter system according to claim 1, wherein said supportsurface has at least one recess for receiving connecting elements ofrails and ties of said toy train track.
 9. A toy train track adaptersystem according to claim 1, wherein the lengths of said adapters ofsaid system correspond to the lengths of track segments comprising saidtoy train track.
 10. A toy train track adapter system according to claim9, wherein each of said adapters of said system is provided one of avariety of shapes corresponding to the shapes of said track segments.11. A toy train track adapter system according to claim 1, wherein saidat least one track is provided with a friction surface to facilitaterolling movement of said vehicle.
 12. A toy train track adapteraccording to claim 1, wherein said adapters are dimensioned to provide agap to permit removal of said adapters from said toy train track whensaid adapters are placed thereon.
 13. A toy train track system for usewith a train having a first wheel configuration and other vehicleshaving a second wheel configuration, comprising: a plurality of tracksegments for forming a circuit, said track segments comprising at leasttwo rails for supporting a train having a first wheel configuration, atleast one travel surface adjacent said rails and dimensioned to receiveat least one set of wheels of a vehicle having a second wheelconfiguration, and at least one guiding feature provided along said atleast one travel surface to maintain said vehicle on said at least onetravel surface, said at least two rails extending the length of saidtrack segments to permit unobstructed travel of said train thereover andsaid at least one travel surface extending the length of said tracksegments to permit unobstructed travel of said vehicle thereover when atleast two of said track segments are coupled at longitudinal endsthereof.
 14. A toy train track system according to claim 13, whereinsaid track segments have two travel surfaces located between at leasttwo of said at least two rails.
 15. A toy train track adapter system foradapting a toy train track made for use with trains having a first wheelconfiguration for use with vehicles having other wheel configurations,comprising: a plurality of adapters dimensioned to fit between a set ofrails of said toy train track, said set of rails including two outerrails and a center rail, each of said adapters comprising a supportsurface in contact with said toy train track when placed therealong, anupper surface having at least one travel surface dimensioned to receiveat least one set of wheels of a vehicle having a second wheelconfiguration that is different than said first wheel configuration, andat least one guiding feature provided by at least one of said adaptersand said toy train track when said adapters are placed along said toytrain track to maintain said vehicle on said at least one travelsurface, said adapters having longitudinal ends that permit a first ofsaid adapters to be placed adjacent a second of said adapters along saidtoy train track to create a continuous track length from said at leastone travel surface of said first and second adapters, such thatplacement of said plurality of adapters about said toy train trackpermits said vehicle to travel about said toy train track on said atleast one travel surface of said plurality of adapters.
 16. A toy traintrack adapter system according to claim 15, wherein said upper surfaceof said adapters is generally planar and said at least one guidingfeature is said set of rails.
 17. A toy train track adapter systemaccording to claim 16, wherein said upper surface of said adaptersfurther comprise at least one guide rail adjacent said at least onetravel surface.
 18. A toy train track adapter system according to claim16, wherein said upper surface of said adapters further comprise oneguide rail adjacent said at least one travel surface and spaced from oneof said set of rails by one of said at least one travel surface torestrict a set of wheels of said vehicle to said one of said at leastone travel surface.